How to Pack Professionally

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Careful packing is one of the most important aspects of your move. Well-packed household goods stand little chance of being damaged. Also, packing room by room can help to make unpacking and storage much less of a chore. Whether you have us do the packing or you do it yourself depends upon your circumstances. Some people simply do not have the time to devote to what can be an intimidating task.

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In such cases, L&J provides the finest in safe and professional packing services. But for families on a budget, self-packing can mean considerable savings. Even if you choose to do the packing yourself, you might still consider having L&J pack the more delicate of fragile items--items such as dishes, crystal, lamps, etc. You enjoy the security of having these more costly items professionally packed while reducing your costs by doing the bulk of the job yourself. We can Dish provide wardrobe cartons to hang your clothes in, so they don't get wrinkled during your move. 

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Dish Packs ( 5.2 cu. ft.) These are "extra thick walled" cartons specifically designed for  dishes, glasses and other fragile items.

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Cell-Packs Optional separators for china or glassware with individual compartments for the items being packed.

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Large (4.5 or 6.0 cu ft) Very light, bulky articles, such as pillows Med comforters lamp shades.

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Medium (3.0 cu. ft.) Non- fragile and moderately heavy items, such as pots, pans, games,    folded clothing, misc.

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Book (1.5 cu. ft.) Smaller cartons designed for very heavy items, such as books, records and canned goods.

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Wardrobe Cartons Equipped with metal bar so that clothes may hang naturally.

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Mirror or Picture Cartons Narrow cartons which adjust in length and width to Tapeaccommodate  different sized mirrors, pictures and other fragile, flat items.

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Tape: Movers use either a plastic tape called "PVC" (approximately 1 1/2-inches wide) or "strapping tape." For best results, make a shallow "X" over the long seams with the tape extending four inches over the side of the carton.

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All of these professional moving cartons may be purchased from us. You also may be able to  obtain cartons from your local grocery store. However, grocers usually slit cartons open along the sides instead of at the seams making them unusable for packing. In any case, be certain the cartons you use are of adequate size and strength. The most important aspect of packing is good wrapping and cushioning material. NEVER USE NEWSPAPERS! Newspaper ink has a tendency to rub off on everything it touches and can be almost impossible to remove from items like fine china.

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Professional packers like L&J's use "newsprint" (unprinted newspaper) as cushioning material. The amount of newsprint you use depends on the items being packed. Obviously, towels or sheets in a carton require no packing material at all. For dishes or fragile items, a layer of crumpled paper should be used to line the bottom of the carton to a depth of approximately four inches. Each item should be individually wrapped--with crushed paper between items as needed.

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Packing Specific Items

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Plates, Saucers, Flat China: Wrap individually and then bundle three or four together. Stand on end in carton. Never lay flat. Use the larger items as the bottom layer and place crumpled paper as cushioning between each layer.

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Bowls: Odd-shaped items and bowls, individually wrapped, should constitute the upper layers. Place on edge in carton with bottom facing up.

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Cups and Glasses: Like bowls, cups and glasses should go on top, rim down and individually wrapped.

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Glassware and Crystal: Always individually wrap as top layer. Never put one piece inside another. If items are particularly fragile, pack first in smaller carton, then in large one with cushioning all around.

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Books: Pack upright with open edges and bound ends alternating. If any have fragile covers, wrap in paper.

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Clothing: Hanging items should go into wardrobe cartons. Clothing may stay in dressers if dressers are sturdy. All other folded clothing should be packed in medium (3.0 cu. ft.) cartons.

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Food: Boxed dry food should be packed in medium (3.0 cu. ft.) cartons with openings taped shut to prevent spillage. Jars or canned goods should be packed in book (1.5 cu. ft.) cartons with all jars wrapped and cushioned. Never pack or move perishable or frozen food.

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Hats: If in hat box, pack in larger carton. If not, loosely stuff with crushed paper and pack in smallest carton either alone or with other hats.

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Lamps: Lamp bases should be wrapped, cushioned and packed in Dish-Pack cartons. Lampshades should be packed singly in appropriate sized carton. Be careful not to put too much paper in lampshade carton as they dent easily. Cushion loosely.

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Flowers: Dry flowers should be packed alone in appropriate sized carton loosely cushioned with paper. Live plants will probably not survive on a long distance move and mover cannot accept responsibility.

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Stereos, Radios, etc.: Components and small electronics should be well wrapped and cushioned in either medium (3.0 cu. ft.) or large (4.5 cu. ft.) cartons. Large console stereo and televisions should not be packed. They will be padded by driver and moved as furniture.

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Mirrors, Marble Tops, Glass Tops, Pictures: All mirrors, pictures, marble or glass tops should be packed in picture-mirror cartons, unless they are very small. The small items may be wrapped and packed in dish-pack cartons on edge. Very large marble or glass tops should be crated by professional packers. Their weight makes them impractical to be moved by carton.

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Packing Checklist

•     Use cartons of adequate size and strength.

•     Cushion bottom of carton and between layers when packing fragile items.

•     Wrap all fragile items individually.

•     Pack heavier items in lower layers, lighter items in upper layers.

•     Paper cushioning absorbs shock. Be generous.

•     Loose packing creates damage. Make sure items are firmly packed.

•     Do not overfill carton. Top should close easily without bulging.

•     Use "PVC" or "strapping tape" to guard against carton bursting open in transit.

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Items not to Pack

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Remember that all of your possessions are being loaded into the van and, by law, movers may not accept hazardous materials for shipment. Restricted items include:

• Paint, thinners, oils and varnishes

• Ammunition and firearms

• Bottled gas, propane, etc.

• Lamp oil

• All flammables, explosives and corrosives

• Motor fuels and oils Nail polish remover

• Bleach

• Sterna

• All aerosol cans

• Matches

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Labeling

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Use a heavy marking pen for easy reading. On carton top, list major items such as "GOOD CHINA" or "CRYSTAL." On carton side near the top, mark which room carton goes into. If carton contains fragile items, mark "FRAGILE" on all four sides. On cartons containing fragile items or liquids, mark "THIS END UP" on carton top and put arrows pointing up on all four sides.

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Extraordinary Value Items

All stocks, bonds, currency, jewelry, furs, stamps, coins, securities, negotiable, insurance policies and valuable papers should not be packed for transit in the van. Either transport these items yourself or make arrangements with your banker for their transfer.

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Acceptance of Packing

For your protection, North American Drivers are required to inspect each carton tendered for shipment. Any improperly packed cartons must be repacked by the mover (which adds to the cost of your move) or by you. To avoid delay, use the guidelines listed in this insert.

For a more visual experience, please visit northAmerican's video packing guide here: Packing Videos.